Surrounded by mountains, lush wilderness and the waters of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is the ultimate hub for exploring southcentral Alaska. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I spent many days exploring this area. Here is the background, along with ten top things to do in Anchorage.
Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage sits on a peninsula, flanked by Knik Arm to the north and Turnagain Arm to the south. It’s a gateway to incredible mountains and wilderness sites. Also, the city sits on a coastal lowland along Cook Inlet and stretches up to the base of the Chugach Mountains. The mudflats are not to be walked upon because of the extremes from tidal changes and the glacial silt. Anchorage has a subarctic climate, moderated by the maritime influences. So, the summer daytime temperatures are generally in the 50 – 70’s degrees F. and the winter daytime temperatures average 5 – 30 degrees F.
Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center: This is a good starting point in downtown Anchorage. Here, you learn about all there is to do in the Anchorage area. Anchorage is an ideal hub with so much to do in town and on daytrips nearby. Also, their friendly volunteers answer questions or connect you with tours or transportation.
Ten Top Things to Do in Anchorage
Whaling Wall “Alaska’s Marine Life”: This is one of the 100 painted murals throughout the world by the American artist, Robert Wyland. It was painted on the wall of a J.C. Penney store building in downtown Anchorage in 1994. Also, it’s 400 feet long and 50 feet high, displaying whales and seals native to Alaska. The underlying message behind these murals is to reconnect modern humans and nature, which has been lost through the medium of art. Overall, Wyland completed this series with the first mural in Laguna Beach, CA and the last in Beijing.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: Just 6 miles NE of downtown Anchorage, this center is more than a museum celebrating the native Alaskan cultures. It’s an interactive center with events, exhibits and classes to learn hands-on about the culture groups of Alaska going back 10,000 years. Alaskan native languages or culture groups include Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Overall, there’s theatres, Hall of Cultures and the Gathering Place for storytelling and games.
Alaska Botanical Garden: Located in Far North Bicentennial Park, this is a 110-acre botanical garden displaying native plants of southcentral Alaska. There are nice walking trails and various gardens, such as, perennials, rocks, herbs, trailside and the Anchorage Heritage Garden. With the long days of summer, there is stunning super-blooms in Alaska, such as, lupines, fireweed, yarrow, daisies and primrose.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail:
This 11-mile-long trail goes along the coastline and mudflats of Cook Inlet. It runs from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage and finishes in Kincaid Park, however, can be reached from many another entrance in town. Overall, the trail provides incredible views of downtown Anchorage, Fire Island, Chugach Mountains and even Denali (Mount McKinley) on a clear day. Bike rentals are available with Downtown Bicycle Rental, or you can do a guided tour with Alaska Trail Guides. Also, past the airport you are more likely to see wildlife, such as, moose.
Earthquake Park: The biggest earthquake ever in North America struck Anchorage in 1964, measuring 9.2 in magnitude. Furthermore, the landscape became altered with a sharp drop-off north of the park with the rippling hills in the forest. Tours give you insights to this traumatic day and the aftereffects.
Alaska Museum of Science & Nature: In the heart of downtown, this museum is an interactive museum to learn about the unique Alaskan geology, cultures and ecology. Overall, it covers science from prehistoric to modern times. This is a great thing to do if it’s a rainy or cold day.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Just 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, this non-profit organization is a 200-acre conservation center for wildlife. The center provides animal care for injured or orphaned wildlife. And animals that cannot be rehabilitated have a home for life. Also, they research and educate the public on the Alaskan wildlife. Visitors see various resident wildlife, such as, black and brown bears, muskox, moose and deer. This is the only place that I ever got to see the amazing muskox.
Related: 20 Wildlife Photos that Will Inspire You to Visit Amazing Alaska
Beluga Point Lookout:
On the Seward Highway, this point provides panoramic views of Turnagain Arm with opportunities to watch the bore tide. A bore tide is the surge of seawater that returns to shallow inlets from a broad bay. The full or new moon’s low tides create the bore tide. Furthermore, the bore tide at Beluga Point is one of the largest in the world at 6-10 feet tall, reaching speeds of 10-15 mph. Many kayakers and surfers take this opportunity to ride the wave for speed. Also, check the tide schedules for the best times to view this unique phenomenon.
In addition, the Beluga whales populate the point from mid July through August. Approximately 300-375 Belugas swim here to feed on the salmon running in Cook Inlet. Belugas use sonar to find the fish in the silty waters.
Alyeska Resort and Alyeska Hotel: Located 40 miles from Anchorage, this resort is a preeminent year-round resort including the 300-room hotel. It’s the gateway to the Chugach Mountains, and in the winter a hotspot for skiing with 76 trails. In contrast, the summers are wonderful for hiking and scenic tram rides to the top of Mount Alyeska at 2,300 feet.
Whittier Tunnel Drive and Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise: The Whittier Tunnel is the longest combined railway-vehicle tunnel in North America at 2.5 miles long. From Whitter, there are scenic 26-Glacier Cruises on Prince William Sound. This amazing journey reveals the majestic glaciers and marine wildlife, such as, seals, porpoises, sea lions and sea otters.
Overall, Ten Top Things to Do in Anchorage
Anchorage has the best of both worlds among the pristine wilderness and nature along with the culture and amenities. Overall, it’s an incredible hub from which to explore southcentral Alaska. No matter what time of the year Anchorage provides unique adventures.
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